The banknotes and coins of Kazakhstan

The banknotes and coins of Kazakhstan - today and in the past
(Reference material)
How it was in the beginning.
Usually when there is a conversation about ancient coins people intuitively expect to see
something round and sparkling. But in reality ancient coins look like irregular shaped turned green
pieces of copper.
Otrar is an ancient city where the whole history of money which was used by people of
Kazakhstan is reflected like in the mirror of time. This money was very different. And at that time the
currency reforms took place more often than now.
Nowadays you can find Chinese yuan only in currency exchange offices of Almaty. But in
regional centers yuan is not needed at all. And it is fact that the first coins which were used in
Kazakhstan were Chinese ones. The archeologists have found coins which are called "ushu" in
Mardan tomb of Otrar oasis.
They are related to the turn of AD. Thereby people of South Kazakhstan began using money at
the time of Tiberius' governing in Rome and Jesus Christ's testimony in Palestine. There was great
state of Kangyui flourishing at the territory of South Kazakhstan. The state was great enough for
Chinese emperors of Han dynasty to take it in consideration. Trade on Great Silk Way was
flourishing also. That's why money circulation was supplied and implemented by China.
Stamping of "Ushu" coins or as it is also called "Ushutsan" – was continuing in China for a
period of several dynasties and ended only in VI century AD. After that there in cities of South
Kazakhstan started to appear new kind of Chinese coins such as "Kaiyuan" and "Tunbao", we can
notice that the name of that coins sound similar with name of contemporary Chinese currency. And it
was VII century when Chinese money monopoly was undermined by sogdians.
Sogdians used to be very enterprising people, whose origin was from the east of Iran, that's why
they conducted their trade along the whole Great Silk Way. Sogdians were the people who presented
the major part of population in cities of Kazakhstan, which were dependent to Turkic Khagans. Also
it were sogdians who kept numerous karavansarys on the way from China to Iran.
Sogdians started to stamp their own coins just copying Chinese ones. Today we would say that
such copying was some kind of piracy and breach of copyright.
Then scriptures in sogdian language and Bokhara symbols in the image of knife began to appear
on those coins.
Great amount of Chinese and sogdian coins have been found during the excavations at the
marketplace of Otrar city. These coins were dated to the VII-VIII centuries. As we know at that time
cities of Europe were on the decline. But on the contrary cities and trade at the middle Syr Darya
were flourishing. These cities began to stamp their own bronze coins by following the example of
sogdians' coins stamping model. But the Chinese origin of coins hadn't been forgotten in that region
and in memory of it there were square holes in the middle of coins.
Denga
VII century.
Bronze currency of Turgesh state
Ancient Settlement of Altyn-tobe
(Oasis of Otrar)
Such money was in circulation at the region of Kazakhstan for two centuries.
Turks were the governors of the cities and they used to depict fierce lions on the one side and
their own tamga on another one of their coins. Such coins are typical examples of currency at the
territory of Semirechye and also in Otrar and Chach (Tashkent) oases.
Ancient Turkic Chach coins are usually divided in two main groups:
1) without Turkic titles (they picked out by their iconographical features of decoration); (fig. 1)
2) with Turkic titles transferred by sogdians' scriptures (fig 2).
From Turgeshs to Mongols
As a matter of fact Turkic states also began to stamp their own money very early. And of course
the major role in stamping had the Khaganate of Turgeshs. It was the Turgeshs who recklessly fought
against Arabs and Chinese and the same ones who first among Turks began to turn Mohammedan.
And they did it voluntarily by missionaries of Islam, because Arabs failed in inculcating new religion
in the region of Kazakhstan by fire and sword.
There were four types of coins which Turgesh Khans used to stamp. This money was in
circulation on the great territory from Semirechye to Sogda (which is Tajikistan nowadays). These
coins were stamped in Taraz city and in Suyab city which was the residence of Khagan. On the one
side of coin there was Khan's tamga and on another one there was a scripture – "the denga of
heavenly Turgesh-Khakan".
WESTERN SOGDA
EASTERN SOGDA
SOUTHERN SOGDA
BOKHARA KHUDATY
At the same time there were Turkic people named Tukhusi who lived in the valley of Chu and
were submitted to Turgeshs. They also stamped their own coins but this money was in use only in the
valley of Chu.
С
KARAKHANIDS' FELSES
SAMANIDS' FELSES
In the beginning of second part of VII century Turgeshs have been submitted by another Turkic
tribe of Karluks. And, by the way, most genealogies of Kazakh people such as shezhire are related to
this epoch. For example it was Karluk's khaganate where legendary Baydybek-ata, lived. It is he who
considered to be progenitor of Senior Zhuz.
Karluks have established their political domination in the southern part of the country. But they
didn't stamp their own coins.
However there was not only domestic currency in the region of our land but also foreign one.
The name of it was Felses. This money was brought to the region by Arabs, who started their
invasion to Middle Asia in the beginning of VIII century
Shortly after that Samanids and Takhirids who were the southern neighbors of Karluks turned
Mohammedan. They started to stamp "world money" of that time, which was silver and called
Dirkhems.
In IX-XI centuries these Dirkhems turned to be the main currency. People called them "Black
Dirkhems" for the reason of copper which was too much in the coins. The outer face of the coin was
decorated with the governor's bust including scriptures and accoutrements of power, and on the
reverse side of the coin there was sacrificial altar with fire and guard.
Dirkhems of Termez
In the middle of the outer face of the coin there is
stylized image of bow with arrow. In four corners of
it there are Sultan's accoutrements of power"Sultan the Greatest, the height of peace and faith.
In the upper part of the coin there is an unintelligible
word and there is an ornament below. There is also
circular inscription and it is partially effaced – "This
Dirkhem was stamped in Termez…"
On the reverse side of the coin there is square
cartouche formed by two squares named kalima at
the four sides of cartouche there are Pakab and
epithet. The only extant word is Muzafari (?)
http://archeologia.narod.ru
Felse
The middle of XIII century.
Ulus of Chagatai
Silver
An ancient settlement of Otrar
Adding copper into the silver of a coin
decreases its purchasing power. And we can see
that the government was in economical
depression at that time. But on the other hand
when the economic state was flourishing coins
consisted of six kinds of metal. And sometimes
silver Dirkhems contained gold.
As soon as Karakhanids had established their power in XI century in the region of South
Kazakhstan the flourishing period of region took place there. There wasn't any change in currency
during the first part of this period. But "Black Dirkhems" have started to disappear in the middle of
the next century. New dynasty came into power and started to stamp its own coins, which was made
of bronze and copper. But to tell the truth it was Black Dirkhem that established a record. They have
been stamped and used for 400 hundred years. And it is the longest period of coins circulation in our
land.
There were functioning mint places in Barab (Farab of Otrar), Ispidjab and Taraz during the
period of these coins circulation.
Felse
XV century.
Timur's and Timurids' State
Copper
An ancient settlement of Otrar
There was functioning a complicated specific system in the state of Karakhanids which was
typical for classical feudal states of Europe. The matter is that governors were submitted one to
another and all wanted to stamp their own coins. In the result of it the distribution of counterfeit
money took place. Archeologists have found hidden hoards of counterfeit money. And probably the
owners of these coins didn't know about it.
Fake Dirkhem of Karakhanids
http://www.rasmircoins.ucoz.ru/forum/
Meanwhile "silver crisis" have enveloped the whole Middle Asia and South Kazakhstan in XI
century. And it lasted for a period of 250 years. Silver mines at Talas and Akhangaran head rivers
began to peter. Great amount of coins departed to Europe where an intensive urban expansion started
at that time.
However the cities of the South Kazakhstan region were continuing their intensive growing. For
example total area of Shymkent at that time came up to 30 hectares. Apart from copper coins the
circulation of gold started there. But it wasn't coins made of gold. But just pieces of this metal which
archeologist find in plenty of hoards. The result of crisis was that counterfeit money was recognized
and used as legal. State mint places started to stamp copper coins plating them with silver and
claimed it was pure silver money. At that time there were functioning at least five mint places at the
territory of Kazakhstan.
Real product of counterfeiter of that time,
it is even possible to see silver plating on
the coin
http://www.rasmircoins.ucoz.ru/forum/
Shortly before Mongols came to the territory of South Kazakhstan it had been conquered by
Khorezmshakh Muhammed. It was he who started to stamp his own Khorezm coins in Otrar
From Mongols to Kazakh Khanate
Sometimes archeology makes history more exact. It says that though Mongolian invasion was
ruinous for the region of our land yet it wasn't so fatal is it is shown by chroniclers. The cities like
Sauran which surrendered to Mongols weren't ruined. And even Otrar was restored very soon. And
after the default of the second part of XIII century economical upturn soon took place. It means that
the need of great deal of money was the result of this upturn.
DIRKHAM
(The hoard of silver things and
coins of XIII century which have
been found in Otrar.)
http://www.zeno.ru/showgallery
Kazakhstan was a part of Chagataids' state of Mongols where the stamping of silver coins was
established very soon. And this money was of great quality. In Otrar and in Khodjent golden dinars
were produced. But for the reason of its high price gold wasn't circulated in single pieces. But coins
used to be broken to pieces and dug into the ground as hoard. People did it in spite of Kurultai which
Mengu khan had held in 1251. During this Kurultai a decree about tax collection of golden coins was
issued.
http://horde.charm.ru/
The excavations of Otrar city were the largest scale digging in USSR after the diggings of
Novgorod for a period of 25 years. These excavations proved the thing that there were golden dinars,
copper based and silver plated Dirkhems and copper Felses circulated in the city together. It is
usually easy to find copper Felses in the region of the city today.
Sometimes there was the name of Chingiskhan on the coins. It was there for assurance of
authenticity of this money. People of Otrar city and Khodjent had confidence in copper based and
silver plated Dirkhems and that's why this money was in circulation there for a very long period of
time. Stamping of a great amount of copper, golden and silver plated Dirkhems and copper Felses in
the region of Otrar city is the evidence of flourishing of money circulation at the territory of South
Kazakhstan.
Such cities of South Kazakhstan like Taraz, Otrar and Kendje were actually in the lead of
producing silver money in the whole Chagatads' empire. The coins which were produced in these
three centers were practically identical.
In spite of all wide spread prejudices the Mongols pursued their economic policy very wisely. It
was Middle Asia that was of interest as a source of great and fixed incomes to the Mongols. There
was special deputy who ruled the economy and delivered money to the Mongols.
Mongols didn't usually interfere in the business of stamping money. At first the whole region
was under the administration of the merchant Makhmud Yalavach and then his son Masud-bek who
outlived many khans and implemented great money reform had taken the lead.
It was he who stimulated the business of mint places and established unitary weight and
hallmark for the silver coins. Thereby the empire got its free circulated silver coins and state standard
of its weight. But there were copper money flourishing in retail trade which were of the same weight
and size with the silver ones. It was the Masud-bek's money reform that put an end to the "silver
crisis" and caused the continuing and stable economic growth of the region.
There is some mystery in the thing of the Mongols' money. There are no names of Mongol
khans on their coins but there is the name of Baghdad's caliph Nasir who was dethroned and killed by
the Khulagids in 1258. The Khulagids were the Mongols too. And, by the way, the same name was
stamped on the coins of Djuchids in the Golden Horde which were in active circulation at the western
part of Kazakhstan.
Historians suppose that they just honored the tradition this way. And in Golden Horde where
Berke khan had pursued the policy of islamization it was also the index of loyalty to the new religion.
As soon as many Mongols' states had fallen into decay, money stamping business started to be
on the decline too. The money stamping process stopped in Otrar in the period of XIV century when
major portion of Kazakhstan had been the part of Ak-orda. But when in the end of the century Timur
had come to this region economy became more brisk.
Copper coins stamping started again in Otrar. But for trade there were silver "Tanga" too, which
were produced at the territory of the south part of contemporary Uzbekistan, substantially in Bokhara.
(You can see the collection of ancient coins such as Tanga in application 1).
That's how the name of contemporary Kazakh currency at first time has appeared at the territory
of land. But at that time nobody knew about "Tiyns". Tanga could be divided to four parts and one
fourth part of Tanga called "Miri". There were functioning more that thirty mint places at the territory
of Timur’s States.
At that time there was a famous scientist and statesman Ulugbek who was the initiator of
another currency reform. In 1428 old copper money was changed to new ones and after that all mint
places were closed. And over a period of sixty years there was single currency in the empire. And if
there was lack of money, it was stamped only in Bokhara.
Reforms and hoards
After the collapse of Timurids' States the south part of Kazakhstan became a field of long strife
between Kazakh khans and Maverannakhr's governors. There was a competition for rich cities which
were situated in the middle course of the river Syr Darya. The end of the strife finished in the
beginning of XIX century with decay of these cities and by connection of the land to Kokand's
khanate. And how many varieties of money there were at that time.
Firstly Sheybanids conquered the land and extended their power up to Afghanistan and Iran.
In the year 1507 Mukhammad Sheybani khan captured Gerat and immediately in the cathedral
mosque there was proclaimed a new decree about new currency reform which promised unchanging
system of money stamping and circulation of silver coins to the all who was interested in trade. New
Tanga was assigned as basis of silver coins circulation. It was decorated with governor's stamping
which is the name and the title of Mukhammad Sheibani khan.
The date of accomplishment of reform is the year 1508 when new Tanga, identical by their
weight, inscriptions content and whole appearance, had been released in many cities and regions of
spacious Sheibanids' empire. The cities were – Samarkand, Bokhara, Merva, Neese, Serakhs, Gerat,
Meshkhed, Nishapur, Kain, Sebzevar. Equal silver coins had the same status and circulation
throughout the state. An inflation process was free; it means that any private individual could order
money stamping using his own metal for a certain payment to the state treasury. The money stamping
was a source of income for the state treasury.
But certainly it doesn't mean that enormous incomes from stamping and circulation of silver
money flew to the treasury of central authorities. The head of dynasty was just the first among equal
at that time. Big landowners bestowed him ostentatious honors, glorified his name and titles of
statesmen by the inscriptions on the coins but they took all incomes of money stamping. Regular and
plentiful release of silver money has been taken in four the greatest lands which are – Bokhara,
Samarkand, Balkh and Tashkent. Out of the last one they came to the territory of Kazakhstan and
circulated freely in Kazakh khanate. Though the owners of this money used to be political enemies of
Sheybanids.
Very important event of that time was the regular release of golden coins which started in XVIII
century by Djanids who were the descendants of Astrakhan's khans. One golden coin "Ashrafi" cost
about 50-80 silver coins (depends on theirs hallmark and rate). All of them also circulated throughout
South Kazakhstan and penetrated to the north. From the middle part of XVII century there appeared
Russian money which generally were copper coins.
After the unconstrained connection of Kazakhstan to Russia (1731-1798) there appeared
Russian coins, Kokand's and Tashkent's khans' coins in money circulation of the region. In the XIX
century all trade operations were conducted with Russian money. And money circulation in
Kazakhstan turned to be part of money circulation of Russia.
The system of golden monometallism with circulation of golden coins was brought into
service by the currency reform of 1895-1897 in pre-revolutionary Kazakhstan. There were golden,
silver and copper coins in circulation. But the main type of money was the bank-notes of Russian
State Bank which were based by gold on 92 per cent.
Within the period of provisional government of 1917 there was new money in circulation
which was called "Cherenki". Also there were various substitutes like current liabilities of state
treasury or loan coupons. As a small change there were various checks, bonnes, marks and other
money substitutions. At that time the process of currency system breakup started, which strengthened
after the October Revolution.
In the year of 1919 there were released first soviet state bank notes and then bank notes of
RSFSR which were called sovznaks. In a period of civil war and foreign intervention money were
printed by interventionists, foreign and White Guard administration. All this money devalued soon
and in result of it money were ousted from circulation and natural economy took place there. Because
of currency reform new money mode of payment began to be reestablished.
In the October of 1921 The State Bank of RSFSR there was organized with the institutions in
soviet Republics which immediately began to be single emission center of the country. Because of
different reasons there were taken four currency reforms with denomination for the period from 1922
to 1961 (the year 1922 - 1:10000, the year 1923 - 1:100, the year 1947 - 1:10, the year1961 - 1:10).
Also design of coins and bank notes was changed.
In November 15, 1993 – the national currency of Kazakhstan – tenge was released in
circulation.
In November 15, 2006 – banknotes of new design had been released in circulation.
TENGE – IS THE NATIONAL SYMBOL OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
As well as anthem, flag and National Emblem national currency is also kind of state
symbol. There is an inscription in the book of special guests of bank note factory which was
made by the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev in the day of opening the factory in
06.19. 1995. It says – tenge is the manifestation of economical independence of our country first
appeared in our capital and must serve good to our people and future descendants.
Sauk Takezhanow was the godfather of national currency who was a chairman of Planning and
Budgetary Commission of Supreme Soviet of Republic of Kazakhstan. It was he who offered – tenge
as the new name of currency. And this name has been chosen in closed discussion among the
members of Supreme Soviet and Republic's administration.
Let us remind you how it was in the beginning.
In the beginning of nineties former Soviet and now Kazakh people who got accustomed to slow
and almost unnoticeable growth of price for goods now were disturbed and confused by its increased
dynamic. The rate of inflation in 1992 was 250 per cents. People do not like to remember this but it is
also our history. And probably some it would be useful for extra ardent fighters to look through it
again sometimes. In July 1993 Russia infringed an agreement and Russia released new national
currency having notifying Kazakhstan 3 days before that event. Prices went up with a leap. Money of
people in savings accounts started to devalue very soon. Soviet banknotes of old standard flew to
Kazakhstan. Goods and commodity products were rapidly disappearing from the shops.
The day before new currency reform was taken, the Head of the Country made a speech
explaining the aims of it and necessity of it. This statement reassured the people. The order and
conditions of change were discussed everywhere. The beginning of change started at 8 o'clock a.m. in
November 15/1993 and finished at 20 o'clock p.m. in November 20/1993.
But there were plenty of procedure nuances of releasing of national currency. Such as delivery
to the place of giving out cash to the people, or establishing a period of changing soviet roubles to
new currency, or establishing a limit of change for a person or an organization, making new currency
gold based. In 1993 the changing rate was 500 roubles to one tenge.
First samples of tenge were of British origin as the contracts for manufacture of banknotes has
been signed with the largest English company. For the short haul the Republic has been provided
with cash money. Almost simultaneously with the introduction of banknotes, Ulba metal plant in UstKamenogorsk city has begun the preparation on release of the first Kazakhstan coins. In order the
country could provide itself with paper money, it has been decided to create a banknote factory in
Almaty. This decision has been made in May, 1992 and fixed in the Decree of the President of the
Republic of Kazakhstan “On creation of printing factory of the National State bank of the Republic of
Kazakhstan”. Regional State Enterprise “Kazakhstan Mint” has received a certificate on registration
in November, 1998.
Initially tiyns – hundredth parts tenge, were made in paper form, coins made of brass with
denominational value 2, 5, 10 and 50 tiyns have been manufactured later.
But their century has appeared to be short. Being not introduced in circulation properly, they
had been depreciated and had been withdrawn from cash-flow cycle.
In order to create seven banknotes, a team of artists-designers under the management of T.
Suleimenov has been created. This team included M.K. Alin, A. Duzelkhanov. Unusual and at the
same time rather responsible work has devolved on their shoulders. Design of banknotes should be
both aesthetic from the point of view of artistic design and decor, and practical enough from the point
of view of their further mass production, i.e. polygraphic printing. First of all, it was necessary to
solve as a matter of principle the color and appearance of banknotes from the point of view of the
historical concept. This concept was based on the general principles of banknotes and literary
heritage of people. There were a lot of variants– to place images of historic figures and personalities
on the banknotes; or to reflect the major events of antiquity which had taken place in the territory of
the modern Kazakhstan; or the plots of national legends, fairy tales, eposes; or natural landscapes of
boundless steppes, beautiful mountains and variety of animal and vegetation world. The land rich in
traditions, heroes, nature and minerals shall be immortalized in such as it could seem daily, and at the
same time unique attributes of the new country. From huge quantity of various material, references,
in the course disputes and substantiation there has been made a decision to place on the obverse side
of banknotes the image of the historic figures, most brightly reflecting the cultural heritage of
Kazakhstan. The reverse side of banknotes depicts natural and architectural elements, characteristic
for the country.
1 tenge
The basic image on obverse side – a portrait of the philosopher, a
scientist and thinker Al-Farabi who lived at the turn of 9-10 centuries
in Otrar in the south of Kazakhstan. Al-Farabi is an outstanding
representative of the eastern branch of school of thought founded by
Aristotle, which was subsequently inherited by the Arabian cultures.
He wrote more than 100 treatises of which only about 32 was kept up
to the present days. Geometrical designs and formulas of this scientist
are presented on the reverse side of the banknote.
3 tenge
Suyunbai Aronuly is one of the brightest representatives of democratic
trend in poetry and singing art who is known for his talent and
capacity to improvisation. Being akin, Suyunbai reflected in his
poems heroic struggle of Kazakh people against conquerors, described
traditions and moral foundations of people, convicted social
contradictions and negative phenomena of the feudal system.
Suyunbai got his glory after his participation in aityses, his
performances were very emotional and expressive examples of
phylologic culture. The reverse side of the banknote has the image of
the Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains.
5 tenge
Great composer Kurmangazy Sagyrbajuly was a known performing
musician of instrumental music who created new trend of
compositions for dombra – kyui. All his life he devoted to struggle
against social injustice and suppression, tyranny and despotism of
governors, for what he was exposed to persecutions from the side of
authorities for which freedom-loving ideas of the composer, his rich
and original musical language brought many inconveniences. The
reverse side of the banknote represents the image of mausoleums
complex.
10 tenge
Chokan Valikhanov is an outstanding scientist, enlightener and
democrat, researcher of history and culture of Kazakhstan and Central
Asia. Formation of outlook of this great son of Kazakh people had
been influenced by the Russian writer - M. Dostoevsky and by the
traveler-geographer P.P. Simenov-Tyanshanskyi. His research works
created after his visits of Kashgaria, Semirechye, Kirghizia and East
Turkestan, placed him in one line with the most known discoverers
and travelers from Europe and Asia. Having lived a short life, he was
like a bright meteor in the historical horizon of Kazakhstan. A
landscape with the sight to Ok-Zhetpes mountain is shown on the
reverse side of the banknote.
20 tenge
Abai (Ibragim) Kunanbaev was the great poet and thinker of Kazakh
people, the founder of the Kazakh literary language. His literature
works represent an absolutely new stage in the development of art,
and sociopolitical and philosophical thinking of the society at that
time.
Having carefully studied the cultural state of the native people and
great works of Russian, European and East titans of thought and
poetry, he considerably expanded the horizons of Kazakh literature
which received such masterpieces as translations into Kazakh
language of works of Pushkin, Goethe and other. A picture of a hunter
with the hawk by motives of Abai works is placed on the reverses side
of the banknote.
50 tenge
Prevailing colors of obverse side and reverse side of the banknote are
light brown. From the right side of the banknote there is a portrait of
Abulkhair Khan and vertically it is possible to find his name and years
of his life printed using light brown paint. In the bottom corner from
the left side and from above to the right side there is a designation of
the digital denominational value of the banknote "50". On the left side
of the banknote it is possible to find a watermark with portrait of
Abulkhair Khan. Reverse side of the banknote is brown. Rock
drawings of Mangistau representing ancient arts of Kazakhstan are
placed in the middle.
Having defined a historical line of personalities, whose portraits will be depicted on the first
Kazakhstan banknotes, artists have faced with the second difficulty – necessity to reproduce their
appearance most precisely. The difficulty consisted in the fact that there were no any pictures or
images of the majority of these figures. For example, nobody knows the actual appearance of AlFarabi. In due time his portrait has been canonized by the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union,
i.e. has been accepted as the standard. However it has taken much efforts and considerable work to
find his image in works of the scientists stored in archives. The portrait of Abulhair Khan has been
found in works of the English traveler - Atkinson, and the portrait of Ablay Khan has been taken
from the Russian sources. The image of Suyunbay has been written off from the works of A.Kasteev
- the founder of painting in Kazakhstan.
After issue of the first succession of tenge, which has signalized
the validity of independence of the young country, there appeared a
necessity of introduction of banknotes with higher denominational
value. Thus there appeared a family of new banknotes interrelated
with one another by uniform idea, design and way of execution.
Being manufactured in uniform style, there were issued banknotes
with denomination value of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000
tenge.
Strict color scale, further increase of protection degrees,
introduction of new technical approaches provide evidences on the
growth of professionalism of the Kazakhstan artists-designers. New
technologies in the field of industrial production of monetary
denominations – machine-readable elements, multiscale numbering,
watermark supplemented with electrotype – this is not the full list
of distinctive features of this banknotes.
Fractional coins of money circulation with denominational values 1; 5; 10; 20 tenge issued in
1993 (in the Figure below they are placed to the left) have been replaced by coins with
denominational values 1,5,10,20,50 tenge issued in 1997 (in the Figure below they are placed to the
right).
1 tenge
3 tenge
5 tenge
10 tenge
20 tenge
50 tenge
Development of polygraphic and computer technologies and systematic work of the National
Bank of Kazakhstan on introduction of new protective and machine-readable elements. It is necessary
to note that, under recommendations of the Interpol, as one of the forms of preventive maintenance of
coinage offence it shall be preferably to make changes in the appearance of bank notes on a regular
basis and to update the level of their security every five - seven years, as the long-term use of design
and protection of bank notes allows to improve the quality of fakes by the forgers of bank notes.
From the beginning of 2006 only the branches of the National bank and only for eight months
of the year had revealed 86 facts of coinage offence to the total amount of 284,4 thousand tenge. Law
enforcement bodies also found out counterfeit monetary notes in great volumes which fact has been
highlighted in mass media.
There also are such concepts as uniform, integral line of the national currency, common
concept and design of the currency which incorporate the concepts of both art, and technological
character. Former banknotes belonged to different stages of economic development of the country.
They were created and issued during various periods, with different hardware and with allowance for
those technologies which existed at that moment. But know-how and technologies vary like the wind
and in order to keep up the pace (and the main thing to not enable counterfeiters to punch a gap in
protection of the national currency), for convenience of recognition of denomination of each value at
calculations and not to admit any possibility to confuse this or that denominational value the National
Bank was performing replacement of separate denominational values within many years.
It has developed historically, that former banknotes have been executed with identical basic
images and had identical sizes. At current replacements of banknotes the National Bank has applied
separate new means of protection and tested modernized printing technologies. For example,
banknotes of “200 tenge” and “500 tenge” were modernized. All this has resulted in variety of the
banknote succession.
Having built the uniform concept of a series, there appeared a necessity of full replacement of
the currency. During the existence of the national currency there were already generated both
aesthetic and technical, and mental requirements, that has allowed to realize the replacement of
banknotes considering the experience of tenge circulation and world-based tendencies.
Each country tries to make its banknotes unlike any others. These attempts are caused by both
aspiration to emphasize the country’s individuality, independence, and for prevention of possible
fraudulent actions if the banknotes of different national currencies will be similar to one other. New
design reflects the changes which have happened in Kazakhstan for the last years and unites the ties
of rich cultural history of Kazakhstan with more modern and up-to-date elements of design. For
example, a monument Astana-Baiterek is depicted on banknotes, which represents a place of interest
of new capital - Astana. The obverse side also includes fragments of notes of the national anthem, as
well as the national flag and coat or arms. The open palm of a hand on the banknotes, a rock drawing
of the Bronze Age symbolizes friendliness, openness and good will.
The reverse side of the banknotes depicts the contours of a map of Kazakhstan with images of
various landscapes and architectural constructions of the new capital - Astana and other cities. For
example, on a banknote of 10 000 tenge value it is possible to see the President’s residence, while the
rock drawings of animals found at excavations are also used in design of banknotes.
On the other hand, for perpetuation of the memory of outstanding personalities of the Kazakh
history and culture, as well as for preservation and popularization of information on originality of the
national traditions, about animal world and flora, the National Bank of Kazakhstan issues the coins of
different thematic series. Among them - one of the most bright and popular is the series called
“Outstanding events and people” which already now includes much more portraits of outstanding
people, than it would be possible to place on six banknotes. The indisputable factor should also be
taken into consideration: long useful life of coins in comparison with useful life of denominations.
Paper denominations are not a memorial, not an art gallery, and people, using money, engross in
thought about their presentation or image assignment extremely seldom. And though the National
Bank watches the cleanliness - literally - a monetary turnover, calender butts, bends, attritions,
inscriptions on banknotes happen and cause not a smaller regret and, to express more precisely, the
insult of memory.
The National bank had provided for a parallel circulation of banknotes of old and new design
within one year at the entire territory of the republic. Prior to the beginning of official presentation of
a new series of the Kazakhstan currency, there has been developed a wide information campaign
which has reached the most remote places of the country.
To the beginning of the campaign on exchange all regions of the Republic have been supplied
with banknotes of all denominational values, in the amount necessary for exchange and satisfaction
of the managing entities demand in cash money. Financial institutions which are the basic conductors
of money receipt in circulation, had enough time for delivery of new banknotes even in the most
remote divisions. The circumstance has provided the circulation of new banknotes in the whole
country already in the first days after the announcement on renewal.
The world practice has accepted a division of protective elements into three groups. The first
group - for population. The second – a so-called “cashiers level” when the elements of protection can
be determined by special machines or devices. And - the third group of elements of protection, which
is determined only by the central bank. No such precise gradation was applied in operating banknote
succession, but the design of banknotes of 2006 takes this in consideration.
Denominational value: 200
tenge
Size (mm): 126х64
Dominating color: orange-green
Denominational value: 500
tenge
Size (mm): 130х67
Dominating color:
blue-grey
Denominational value: 1000
tenge
Size (mm): 134х70
Dominating color:
yellow-brown
Denominational value: 2000
tenge
Size (mm): 139х73
Dominating color:
Dark and light green
Denominational value: 5000
tenge
Size (mm): 144х76
Dominating color: dark brownred
Denominational value: 10000
tenge
Size (mm): 149х79
Dominating color: purple-blue
Banknotes of 2006 uses the greatest possible quantity of protective elements determined
without special means, i.e. visual and visible in formation light, as well as determined by feel.
Banknotes have also some latent elements distinguished by means of special technical devices, but
the main accent is made nevertheless to the fast and simple establishment of the banknote
authenticity. From among the widespread protective elements we can note watermarks, coincidental
images, optically changing paint, microtext, etc.
Also banknotes completely exclude the probability of erroneous perception or recognition of
any denominational value as all denominational values differ both by colors, and by size. The color
palette is selected so that to create a positive and easily recognized image of banknotes of any value.
Every subsequent denominational value is bigger than the previous one by 4 mm in length and by 3
mm in width.
In the central part of obverse side of banknotes we can see the monument "Astana-Baiterek" –
the achievement of the modern Kazakhstan architecture, a design and engineering idea, a symbol of
development of independent Kazakhstan. In the middle part of a banknote on the color strips we can
see fragments of notes of the national anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan which has a digital
designation of denominational value. To the left of “Baiterek” monument there is the State Emblem
of the Republic of Kazakhstan put on the banknote using one color. In the top right part there is the
image of the national flag. In the bottom part of the banknote there is an open palm of a hand, in
classical heraldry symbolizing belief, sincerity and justice. On banknotes with denominational value
200 and 500 tenge there is a letter designation of denominational value in the state language which is
located vertically in the bottom right corner, on the banknotes with denominational value 1000, 2000,
5000 and 10000 tenge such letter designation of denominational value is located beneath, to the left.
The inscription “ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ” on denominational values 200 and 500 tenge is
located under the notes of the national anthem, and on Denominational values 1000, 2000, 5000 and
10000 tenge – vertically, beneath, to the right.
The reverse side of banknotes contains images of landscapes and modern objects of
architecture which are located in the territory of the country. They are framed with a contour of the
map of Kazakhstan. To the left, underneath left and from above, to the right, there is a digital
designation of the denominational value of banknotes, and from below in the middle - there is a letter
designation of banknotes in Russian language. From above, in the middle there is an inscription
“ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫҚ БАНКІ” and the logo of bank-emitter is printed.
On November, 15, 2008 it will be a 15-th anniversary from the date of introduction of the
national currency of the sovereign Kazakhstan - tenge. In commemoration of this event the National
Bank of Kazakhstan has issued a memorable anniversary banknote with denominational value of
5 000 tenge on July, 8, 2008.
As a basis we used the operating banknote of
2006 sample which has been supplemented from above
and from below with the anniversary inscription
“ТЕҢГЕГЕ ОН БЕС ЖЫЛ” and with the new
protective element Spark®.
A protective element Spark is located on the anniversary
banknote in the bottom left corner in the form of the
flying eagle sharply defined and contrasting on the
background of the shining sun and changing its color
from brightly green up to brightly dark blue at change of
inclination corner of the banknote.
Besides at change of the corner of inclination of the banknote the extended wings by their
sparkling and luminescence create a dynamic movement of the eagle, being one of the first in the
world introduction of this element on the banknotes and a component part of the permanent work on
perfection of the design of the national currency and amplification of protective properties. As it has
been declared by the European Central Bank, the given element of protection against fakes will be a
priority for a new series of banknotes of euro which is supposed to introduce in 2009. All other visual
characteristics and protective elements of the given banknote coincide with banknote denominational
value 5000 tenge issued in 2006. Meanwhile, the banknote with denominational value of 5000 tenge
issued in 2006 shall remain the lawful payment instrument and shall be obligatorily accepted at its
nominal value in the entire territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan in all kinds of payments, as well
as for transfer to the bank accounts and for bank transfers.
TENGE – THE NATIONAL CURRENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Tenge as the national currency plays an important role in the history of our country not only as an
economic basis of the country’s independence. In some aspect tenge is already a full-weight part of
our history, a sign of the time.
It is already 15 years from the date of introduction of the national currency - tenge. It is one of
the most remarkable dates from the date of announcement of our country independence. Introduction
of the national currency has allowed the country to carry out an independent monetary and credit
policy. For 15 years tenge has considerably improved in strength and became one of the most stable
currencies in CIS countries.
Fifteen years of circulation of the Kazakhstan national currency - tenge allow to provide an
objective estimation of the historical importance of tenge introduction for the present and future of
Kazakhstan. Introduction of own monetary unit was the base for realization of economic sovereignty
by Kazakhstan. With introduction of national currency the structural transformations oriented on
construction of market economy have been accelerated.
It is required to remember also uneasy conditions in which Kazakhstan was developing and
adopting own national currency - tenge. The beginning of 90th was a heavy enough period for
acceptance of such life-changing decision for our country: large-scale decrease in production, break
of economic relations, collapse of monetary and credit relations between former Union republics
which has plunged new independent states into the epoch of natural barter at once. Acquiring of
independence by Kazakhstan in 1991 has stimulated the development of market relations in our
country. As a result of the carried out exchange, banknotes issued in 1961-1992 to the total amount of
950,6 billion roubles had been withdrawn from circulation. The results of such exchange have
confirmed our forecasts about the amount of roubles circulating in the territory of the Republic.
It was quite understandable, that the completion of money exchange was the beginning of that
huge and important work, which the Government and the National Bank had to perform in order to
ensure the main objective of that reform - stability and convertibility of the national currency in the
difficult conditions of avalanching decline in production and, in essence, galloping inflation. Special
attention had been given to the procedural issue of introduction of the national currency: delivery of
new currency in exchange offices, date of start up and duration of money exchange, exchange factor.
Tenge became the lawful payment instrument from the first day of money exchange beginning.
The national currency gains greater authority more confidently not only in our country, but also
beyond its limits. In the process of industrial sector development, increase of foreign capital inflow
into the country, appearance of large domestic investors (represented by pension funds) there was
also a strengthening of the national currency and currency market. It was possible to observe the
simultaneous increase of trust to the national currency.
Availability of own national currency has allowed the National Bank to carry out an independent
monetary and credit policy. Granting of credits for covering of budgetary deficit and directive credits
has been stopped. At the same time the functions of economy crediting have been completely
transferred to the second tier banks. The National Bank has started to solve its primary goal - stability
of the national currency, i.e. provision of low rates of inflation and stable exchange rate. Except for
the rate of refinancing, introduction of rates of obligatory interventions reserves in the internal
currency market, the National bank has began issue its own securities (short-term notes), to maintain
operations in the open market and to grant credits “overnight”. Efficiency of monetary and credit
policy carrying out was promoted by the Law “On the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan”
(March, 1995) according to which the National Bank became independent in its activity and
accountable only to the President.
And only now, after 15 years, it is possible to realize to the full extent that precisely the
introduction tenge in circulation has allowed us to make the first and such necessary steps on
construction of the national market infrastructure and has enabled to carry out an independent
monetary and credit and budgetary-tax policy and, accordingly, more effective policy of
macroeconomic stabilization in the first years of reforms.
Stable and predicted demand for money is considered to be centre-based issue for formulation of
effective monetary and credit policy. There are two methods of forecasting of demand for money.
One of them is based on use of regressive methods for estimation of money demand function. Other
approach is less formal and concentrates mainly on tendencies of money circulation speed.
Today it is possible to speak more confidently that from prevalence of survival tactics
Kazakhstan has gradually passed to the strategy of economic growth which is a primary factor of
forward and dynamical development of the country.
Actually from zero point Kazakhstan has constructed its effective bank system — in the
conditions of actual absence of any traditions of banking activity in the Republic. The given sector of
Kazakhstan is the most reformed and dynamically developing, and already today our banking
technologies are considered to be the most demanded, competitive export production in the postSoviet space. The banking system of Kazakhstan is the most dynamically developing today in CIS
countries.
One of the major problems of the National Bank as the authorized body on regulation of banking
system is the protection of interests of depositors of banks and increase of population trust to the
banking system. A number of very important measures have been taken for the decision of this
problem.
Achievements in the financial sector are the result of major efforts on regulation and supervision
of activity of the financial market participants.
Availability of stable national currency is one of the basic criteria of market relations
development and economic independence of the country. Tenge reflects the general state of the
country’s financial sector.
The fact, that tenge has taken its place as a currency of the independent state while it is difficult
to call any currency as "independent", is indisputable. Definition "currency" assumes the participation
in monetary settlements and economic exchange that specifies interrelation with many factors of
development of world economy. The most important feature for any currency is its protectability.
From the widest sense – from the consumer’s ability and stability, up to protectability from fake, in
this sense Kazakhstan has something to be proud of. Tenge has become one of the most protected
currencies in the world. The most advanced technologies have been applied at its production.
Kazakhstan tenge provides good understanding of Kazakhstan, as the country with ancient
history. It provides the information about Kazakhstan as about the country which is engaged in
creative work and is turned to the future.
Prospects tenge can be seen in further strengthening of tenge in relation to other currencies, as
well as in strengthening of protective properties of the national currency – tenge.
It should be also noted about distribution of plastic cards emitted by the second tier banks, and
used both in governmental, and in private sector. If earlier those were the salary cards now it is
possible to observe more often the use of the cards as a payment instrument, both in the territory of
Kazakhstan, and beyond its boundaries. As a matter of fact plastic cards together with cash dispensers
are electronic cashiers, cashing the money. Development of payments with the use of plastic cards is
accompanied by increase in cross sale via cash dispensers, which fact will undoubtedly be positively
reflected on cash money circulation.
Today it is possible to state that inside the country tenge is considered to be a stable, enjoying
the confidence of population currency.
At present time the Republic of Kazakhstan has its own banknotes production facilities in the
form of Banknote factory and the Mint.
Manufacture of banknotes and coins, organization of their circulation, struggle with coinage
offence are becoming more and more global problems. A lot of countries abandon independent
manufacturing of banknotes and coins, transferring these functions partially or completely to the
companies possessing more advanced technologies.
Banknote factory of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, equipped by the most
advanced printing equipment for protected printing of banknotes manufactures not only all banknotes
of the national currency, but also other protected polygraphic production, both under governmental,
and under commercial orders.
Kazakhstan Mint produces coins which quality has been highly estimated at the prestigious
exhibition of Mints in Berlin (Germany) and invariably causes a great interest among experts and
collectors.
Kazakhstan Mint has introduced the system of quality management under the international
standard ISO-9001:2000 and has obtained certificates for manufacture of coin production and various
state awards. Awards manufactured by the enterprise are the fine samples of jewellery art meeting the
best world standards. Except for orders for manufacture of coins from other central banks,
Kazakhstan Mint has received an invitation to participate at once in several international monetary
programs, including programs devoted to the Olympic Games and Football Championship. Among
the latest achievement it is possible to note the mastering of bi-color coins production, silver coins of
“proof” quality with enamels, unique coins made of silver and gold with the weight of 1 kg and
denominational value - 50 000 tenge devoted to 15-th anniversary of introduction of the national
currency.
The head (obverse) side of coins in the top part represents the emblem of the Republic of
Kazakhstan in a frame five-multiple turned ornamental eight-final socket and inscription
“ҚАЗАҚСТАН ҰЛТТЫ Қ BANK І” in the state language. In the bottom part there is an inscription
“50000 ТЕҢГЕ” designating a denominational value of coin. In a circumferential direction of the
coin there is a pearl beading margin draft and projecting edging. To the left of denominational value
of the coin made of gold there is a trade mark of the Kazakhstan mint and inscription “1 kg.”
designating the weight of the coin, on the right - an inscription “Au 999” designating the metal of
which the coin has been made and assay value.
The reverse side (reverse) of coins in the central part on a background of surface depicting the
images of symbols of the national currency represents the collage of three coins - "Horseman",
“Regel’s Tulip” and "Space". To the left of the collage it is possible to observe the image of
denomination of 10000 tenge. In the top part of the coin there is a graphic image of a symbol of the
national currency - tenge. In a circumferential direction - inscription “ТЕҢГЕГЕ 15 ЖЫЛ” in the
state language and number "2008" designating the year of mintage and projecting edging.
Images and inscriptions on obverse and reverse side of the coin are embossed.
The lateral surface (rib) is also embossed.
Memorable coins are made of gold of 999/1000 assay value, weight - 1000 gram, diameter 100 mm., quality of manufacturing - «proof»,
Several words about the Museum of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. In order to preserve the
history of the Kazakhstan currency creation to descendants the National Bank of Kazakhstan has
opened a Museum of the National Bank of Kazakhstan on November, 13, 1997. For the present day
the fund of the museum numbers more than 5 thousand subjects of material culture. It presents copper
and silver coins of XII - XIV centuries, banknotes of the pre-revolutionary Russia, banknotes of the
Provisional government, RSFSR and USSR, as well as the bank notes of the CIS countries. The fund
of the museum also has the Russian gold coins with 5 and 10 roubles denomination value of 18981899 years of issue with the image of the tsar - Nikolay II, silver coins with Peter the Great, Ekaterina
II, Nikolay II, as well as the German Reichsmarks, the Russian-polish coins and coins from China,
Mexico, Poland, Austria-Hungary.
Among the exhibits there are a lot of unusual money, for example “silk money”, “opium
money”. A silver coin with 5000 tenge denomination and weight - 1 kg made of silver of 925 assay
value, issued to the 10-th anniversary of independence of Kazakhstan, amazes and expresses
admiration of museum visitors by it size and design.
This is the place where the gold coins, devoted
to the 1500-th anniversary of Turkestan and the
10-th anniversary of independence of
Kazakhstan are kept, as well as the place where
the first color silver coins which have been
issued to the 10-th anniversary of the national
currency, coins of series “Petroglyphs of
Kazakhstan”, “Red book of Kazakhstan“,
“Applied art of Kazakhstan”, “Architectural and
historical monuments”, “Gold of nomads,
“Coins of old calkers” are kept. Gold and silver
coins, which have been issued by the
Kazakhstan Mint - “Red wolf”, “Regel’s
Tulip”, "Horseman" cause great interest of the
museum visitors.
Appendix
Collection of coins with denominational valueа - tanga
Source: http://www.rasmircoins.ucoz.ru/
Weight, gr:5,0
Diameter, mm:26
Mint: Gerat
Denominational value: tanga
Material: silver
Weight, gr:5,8
Diameter, mm: 24x27
Mint: Nimruz
Denominational value: tanga
Material: silver
Weight, gr:5,1
Diameter, mm:22
Mint: Shabankara
Year: No
Denominational value: tanga
Material: silver
Weight, gr: 1,2
Diameter: 17x14mm
Material: silver
Mint: Khoresm
Denominational value: Miri
RRR!
Weight, gr:5,1
Diameter, mm:22
Mint: Save
Denominational value: tanga
Material: silver
Weight: 1,3 gr.
Diameter: 15mm
Material: silver
Mint: Wiped (Gerat)
Weight, gr:5,2
Diameter, mm:22
Mint: Ordu and Humayun
Denominational value: tanga
Material: silver
Weight, gr:5,6
Diameter, mm:25
Mint: Gerat
Denominational value: tanga
Material: silver
Weight, gr:5,0
Diameter, mm:23x27
Mint: Kashan
Year: no
Denominational value: tanga
Material: silver
Weight, gr:5,6
Diameter, mm:27x24
Mint: No
Denominational value: tanga
Material: silver